Police are warning members of the public to be wary of unsolicited phone calls from anyone claiming to check financial transactions by telephone.

In the past, they say householders have received phone calls from people asking to carry out UKASH transactions worth hundreds of pounds.

Police are aware of what appears to have been attempts by criminals to defraud people - PC Hawthorne

And that these are often bogus calls.

The PSNI is advising everyone not to complete any transactions such as these and to treat the calls with suspicion.

Speaking about the dangers, PC Hawthorne said: “Police are warning local people to be vigilant and protect themselves against unscrupulous criminals who are constantly identifying and developing new methods to defraud innocent people.

“Police are also asking people to be wary of unusual requests to use the ‘UKASH’ payments system. UKASH enables people to shop online when they do not have a bank account, or do not want to use their accounts for an internet transaction.

“Customers visit a UKASH trader and buy a voucher, which they can then use to shop online, or even send money to friends or relatives overseas.

“However, police are aware of what appears to have been attempts by criminals to defraud people.

“In one instance a member of the public bought a considerable sum of vouchers requested a by caller offering a substantial refund. This was of course a scam but the caller was very convincing.

“Do not send UKASH codes to anyone asking you for payment in suspicious circumstances,” they went on.

“Only spend UKASH online and at genuine merchants listed on the company’s website and never provide any voucher details to a third-party by any method as it should be treated just like cash. The company provides a range of security tips and advice on its website, www.ukash.com.

“Anyone who has information on these type of scams should report it to local police on the 101 number.”